Big Sky Ranch  Verified Listing

Exceptional
Treated like a real guest by staff and management with pleasant,tranquil and exquisite ranch grounds,together with first class meals and service.
Thank you

Absolutely beautiful ranch. Service impeccable.
Highly recommended.

We are delighted to have been able to acquire a farm with more than 135 years of thoroughbred race horse heritage. Big Sky Ranch (formerly known as the Gary Player Horse Stud) was founded by the Ellis family in 1883 as a horse stud. The Ellis family bred numerous champions and stud book dynasties on the farm including Prestisimo, Hey Presto, Magic Charm, Magic Link, Mowgli, Lavonia, Pussmoth, Preston Pam and Pipes of Pam.

Gary Player acquired the farm in 1974. His personal involvement with the stud and winning philosophy produced Creator, My Advantage, Amajuba, Kadarko, Foreign Source, World Over, Foolish Pride, Kazatka and Pinehurst to name a few.

The choice of the estate near Colesberg has proved to be a master stroke for all that have owned it. The quality of its breeding stock over the years has become acknowledged by the increasingly selective and sophisticated South African and international thoroughbred market.

For the past couple of years, under the stewardship of Greg Morris, the farm has undergone a tremendous upgrade. Buildings and stables have been modernised to meet the modern breeders aspirations. The veld and associated farm lands are all going through a revitalisation program and the operation has diversified to include an Nguni Stud. The introduction of cattle is a key element needed for the veld restoration program the farm has adopted.

Thorough bred race horse breeding remains a key element of the farms operation and whilst this has been downscaled significantly, horses and the breeding thereof will always be at the "heart" of our farming operation.

Natural Karoo veld is renowned for its rich trace elements and high calcium content, ideal for growing strong boned and resilient animals.

The extreme climate is perfect for breeding racehorses - The cold kills off parasites and the warmth is essential for proper growth.

Amazing place… We didn’t want to leave! Beautiful gardens & trees. Scrumptious food & excellent service!!

Absolutely stunning. A wonderful place, lovely people, beautiful surroundings, delicious food and very friendly dogs what more could you ask for.

We are delighted to have been able to acquire a farm with more than 135 years of thoroughbred race horse heritage. Big Sky Ranch (formerly known as the Gary Player Horse Stud) was founded by the Ellis family in 1883 as a horse stud. The Ellis family bred numerous champions and stud book dynasties on the farm including Prestisimo, Hey Presto, Magic Charm, Magic Link, Mowgli, Lavonia, Pussmoth, Preston Pam and Pipes of Pam.

Gary Player acquired the farm in 1974. His personal involvement with the stud and winning philosophy produced Creator, My Advantage, Amajuba, Kadarko, Foreign Source, World Over, Foolish Pride, Kazatka and Pinehurst to name a few.

The choice of the estate near Colesberg has proved to be a master stroke for all that have owned it. The quality of its breeding stock over the years has become acknowledged by the increasingly selective and sophisticated South African and international thoroughbred market.

For the past couple of years, under the stewardship of Greg Morris, the farm has undergone a tremendous upgrade. Buildings and stables have been modernised to meet the modern breeders aspirations. The veld and associated farm lands are all going through a revitalisation program and the operation has diversified to include an Nguni Stud. The introduction of cattle is a key element needed for the veld restoration program the farm has adopted.

Thorough bred race horse breeding remains a key element of the farms operation and whilst this has been downscaled significantly, horses and the breeding thereof will always be at the "heart" of our farming operation.

Natural Karoo veld is renowned for its rich trace elements and high calcium content, ideal for growing strong boned and resilient animals.

The extreme climate is perfect for breeding racehorses - The cold kills off parasites and the warmth is essential for proper growth.

You might arrive here tired from all the travelling, but after an hour you are so relaxed, from the atmosphere, the tranquility, and the high standard and quality of the accommodation, the view and the friendly and surroundings just puts you in another world, what a great stay, what excellent service, and what great people, Certainly a stay my wife and myself will never forget, certainly the best your money can get.

My husband and I stopped over for an overnight stay and were sad that we had not booked for longer. We travel often between Cape Town and the Reef and Big Sky is without doubt the best stay we have ever had. The facilities and accommodation are excellent with a wonderful swimming pool and jacuzzi. We are nature and animal lovers and found the walks around the ranch very interesting. The stables and horses are special. Our hostess and the staff were superb. Thank-you for a great stay. We will definitely be back.

Most amazing place to stay, wish I can live there.
Thank you Catherine and all the staff, everything was perfect and so incredibly beautiful.

An oasis in the Karoo and a not to be missed stop over between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Beautiful position, historically fascinating, and much appreciated wonderful hospitality. Loved our stay!